The Amanyanabo of Okochiri, Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, HRM Michael Ateke Tom, has said his decision to join the Niger Delta armed struggle was aimed at drawing attention to the region’s plight and long-standing marginalisation.
Ateke, a former militant leader, stated this on Thursday when he received members of the ECOWAS Parliament on a courtesy visit to his palace in Okochiri. The delegation was in Port Harcourt for the 2nd Extraordinary Parliamentary Session on “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Parliamentary Efficiency, Ethical Governance, and Development in the ECOWAS Region.”
Reflecting on his past, the monarch explained that the agitation by militants eventually compelled the Federal Government to focus on the challenges of the oil-rich region.
“My intention was to draw the attention of the Federal Government and the world to the plight of the Niger Delta, a region that produces oil and gas yet suffers the most,” Ateke said.
“The agitation brought the Federal Government’s focus to our challenges. It was that same movement that created the opportunity where our people were remembered, like Goodluck Jonathan, who emerged as President of Nigeria. Eventually, the government responded, and I was among those who helped to broker peace. I appealed to the agitators to lay down their arms, and many did. Today, we are seeing the results of that peace.”
The monarch urged the ECOWAS Parliament to push for sustainable development in the Niger Delta, stressing that poverty and underdevelopment remained widespread despite progress made.
He also pledged to support national security efforts, noting: “As a traditional ruler, I am not a politician. I’m ready to contribute my experience to efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.”
ECOWAS Parliament Commends Ateke
Speaking on behalf of the parliamentarians, Dr Awaji-Inombek Abiante, who represents Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, praised Ateke’s peace advocacy, saying their engagement would inform legislative work at the ECOWAS Parliament.
The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, also lauded the monarch, describing him as a model for peacebuilding in the region.
Similarly, the Third Deputy Speaker, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, said Ateke’s reputation as a peacemaker preceded him, while the Fourth Deputy Speaker, Hon. Billay Tunkara, urged the monarch to continue sharing insights that could help Nigeria tackle insecurity.
The King’s spokesperson, Chief Dr Chris Opuayaraya, thanked the lawmakers for the visit, reiterating the monarch’s commitment to partnerships that promote peace and development in the Niger Delta.
